ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NCPCR To Celebrate Pariksha Parv 4.0 From 11th April To 31stMay, 2022
Taking inspiration from Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s “Pariksha Pe Charcha”, and continuing its endeavor towards making examinations a joyful activity, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights  will be celebrating Pariksha Parv- 4.0 from 11th April, 2022 to 31st May, 2022. NCPCR has been celebrating exams with its campaign ‘Pariksha Parv’ since 2019, intending to change the outlook of children towards exams stress and overcome their anxiety before exam result at a platform.
Pariksha Parv 4.0 is an endeavor for providing a platform for students, parents and teachers to share their thoughts and get guidance and important tips from the experts. In stressful times, talking about and sharing the uneasy and confusing thoughts would help mitigate stress and anxiety of students to a great extent.
This year, a multi-pronged approach shall be followed with the objective of reaching out to teachers and parents in addition to children. Pariksha Parv4.0 will include the following activities:
i) Live streaming sessions from 11th April, 2022 to 31st May, 2022 on Facebook,Twitter,YouTube of NCPCR and YouTube of Doordarshan National and New India Junction to enable students to interact with experts to reduce their exam stress and worries before exam results.
ii) SAMVEDNA-  is a toll-free Tele counseling service of NCPCR by trained Counsellors for COVID related stress which will now be extended for students to cope up with exam and result related queries, stress and anxiety.
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle  successfully injected Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits. The PSLV-C44 lifted off at 23:37 Hrs  on January 24, 2019 from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota in its 46th flight.
About 13 minutes 26 seconds after lift-off, Microsat-R was successfully injected into intended orbit of 274 km. After injection, two solar arrays of the satellite were deployed automatically and ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network  at Bengaluru assumed control of the satellite.
Subsequently, the fourth stage  of the vehicle was moved to a higher circular orbit of 453 km after two restarts of the stage, to establish an orbital platform for carrying out experiments. Kalamsat-V2, a student payload, first to use PS4 as an orbital platform, was taken to its designated orbit about 1 hour and 40 minutes after lift-off.
This flight marked the first mission of PSLV-DL, a new variant of PSLV with two strap-on motors.
In the previous PSLV launch on November 29, PSLV-C43 had successfully launched India’s HysIS as well as 30 customer satellites from abroad.
In his post-launch address, Chairman Dr K Sivan said the PSLV-C44 mission was unique as it was for the first time ISRO used the last stage of the rocket as a platform to perform experiments in space.
“I hope the student community will make use of this opportunity being provided by ISRO. This new low cost technology will help students to conduct several inspiring experiments in space by attaching their instruments to the last stage of the rocket,” Dr Sivan said.
He congratulated Kalamsat-V2 team for their perfection in making satellites. “We must strive for science-oriented India. ISRO is open to all students across India. We want students to bring their satellites to us and we will launch them. Young scientists will shape the future of India,” Dr Sivan said.
He also introduced the Kalamsat-V2 team. Mission Director Shri R. Hutton thanked the entire PSLV-C44 team for their relentless efforts in making the launch successful.
Earlier on January 24, 2019, Dr Sivan held the third edition of Samwad with Students  in Sriharikota. Over 300 students from schools in and around the region had an opportunity to interact with him.
SwS is the newly-launched outreach initiative of ISRO to instill scientific temper among youngsters. The first edition was held in Bengaluru on January 1, 2019 and the second one at Kochi on January 20, 2019.
“Concentrate on the present with full sincerity. Dilemmas will disappear. A good student is not afraid of failure. Failures are important for learning as they open up new avenues,” Dr Sivan told the SwS participants.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India, ADB sign $300 million loan to improve primary health care in India
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank  yesterday signed a $300 million loan to strengthen and improve access to comprehensive primary health care in urban areas of 13 states that will benefit over 256 million urban dwellers including 51 million from slum areas.
Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, signed for the Government of India the agreement for Strengthening Comprehensive Primary Health Care and pandemic preparedness in Urban Areas Program while Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed for ADB.
After signing the loan agreement, Mr Mishra said that the programme supports the Government of India’s key health initiatives - Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres  and Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana  - which has been renamed as Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission  - by expanding availability and access to quality primary health care services particularly for vulnerable populations in urban areas.
Ayushman Bharat programme, launched in 2018, aims to improve access to comprehensive primary health care as a key strategy to achieve universal health coverage in India. With the spread of the coronavirus disease  pandemic that put additional pressure on the country’s health system, the government launched PM-ASBY later renamed as PM-ABHIM in October 2021 to adopt a long-term approach to system strengthening to prepare for future pandemics and other emergencies.
“Ensuring equitable access to non-COVID-19 primary health care is critical amid challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic to India’s health system,” said Mr. Konishi. “The programme complements the government’s efforts to bridge the health care gaps by strengthening institutional capacity, operation, and management of urban health and wellness centers at the central, state, and municipal levels.”
The programme will be implemented in urban areas across 13 states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal. Beside the pandemic response, interventions through the program promote increased utilization of urban HWCs with provision of comprehensive primary health care packages including noncommunicable diseases and community outreach services such as awareness raising activities on health care options, particularly for women. Delivery and health information systems for primary health care will be upgraded through digital tools, quality assurance mechanisms, and engagement and partnership with the private sector.
The programme is supported by a $2 million technical assistance grant from ADB’s Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction to provide support for programme implementation and coordination, capacity building, innovation, knowledge sharing and application of scalable best practices across the healthcare system.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today paid to Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal on his birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"Tributes to Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal on his birth anniversary. He devoted himself to serving others and nurturing a society that is inclusive and just. He undertook numerous efforts to empower the downtrodden as well. His thoughts keep inspiring people across generations."
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Implementation of climate actions by developing countries is contingent to adequate delivery of climate finance, technology transfer, and other implementation support from the Developed Countries: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav meets Minister of Environment,Climate Change and Technology, Republic of Maldives
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav met Her Excellency, Ms Aminath Shauna, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Republic of Maldives here today. In the Meeting, they discussed issues relating to vulnerabilities of climate change, cooperation on climate actions, and follow-up to COP 26.
Shri Bhupender Yadav appreciated the climate actions taken by Maldives and stressed the importance of concrete actions on adaptation in tackling climate change. But, we should join hands to fight climate change to ensure climate justice to all, especially to the developing countries, he added.
Shri Yadav emphasised that concrete actions are necessary to implement the Glasgow Climate Pact or COP 26. However, implementation of climate actions by developing countries is contingent to adequate delivery of climate finance, technology transfer, and other implementation support from the Developed Countries.
The Union Environment Minister also underlined the need for developed countries to enhance commitments ahead of COP27 including on climate finance and technology support, adaptation finance provisions, etc.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen ongoing bilateral cooperation between India and Maldives not only for combatting environmental issues and climate change, but also explore for enhancing cooperation for greater economic integration
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Shri Bhupender Yadav reaffirms commitment towards sound management of chemicals and waste and reduce adverse impact on Human Health and Environment
Shri Yadav participates in ‘High Level Dialogue on Human Health and Environment’ convened under the 2nd Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability – Just Transition Towards a Pollution-free Planet
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav participated in the virtual ‘High Level Dialogue on Human Health and Environment’ convened under the 2nd Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability – Just Transition Towards a Pollution-free Planet on 04th September 2023.
The event was convened to build a common understanding on the issue and provide high-level political guidance and momentum on key international issues and priorities regarding sound management of chemicals and waste. It also aimed to garner support and ensure a high level of ambition of the ‘SAICM Beyond 2020’ during the upcoming 5th meeting of the International Conference on Chemicals Management .
Speaking at the event, Shri Yadav highlighted the importance of the chemical manufacturing sector, particularly in India and potential consequences of their adverse impacts due to capacity constraints faced by many countries. He highlighted the contributions made towards the fulfillment of the objectives of Multi-lateral environmental agreements . The Union Minister said India has been ahead of the curve in aligning its domestic regulations such that the Extended Producer Responsibility framework is already implemented as a waste management tool.
Shri Yadav mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, measures have been taken to achieve sustainable and balanced development with the ‘protection of human health and environment’ at its core.
The Union Minister also highlighted that a process is going on to put in place a mechanism for the registration, authorization, hazard classification, and labeling of chemicals, before being put to commercial use to address the growing needs of chemical sector, resolve regulatory challenges and address innovation.
Ministry of Defence
Headquarters Integrated Defence of Staff Joint Doctrine Review Conference - 2023
The maiden ‘Joint Doctrine Review Conference - 2023’  was conducted at the Manekshaw Centre on 22 September, 2023. The conference was chaired by Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff .
This historic, first such, conference was aimed to synergise and bridge gaps in understanding between Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff  and the three Services in formulation of Doctrines, as also review the progress of Joint Doctrines being formulated. It also helped in sharing best practices and ongoing initiatives on doctrinal issues.
The Conference spanned over two sessions, brainstorming the Joint Doctrine Formulation Process and reviewing the ongoing as well as future Joint and Service Doctrines on diverse subjects such as Cyberspace, Amphibious, and Space. The conference was successful and achieved its stated aim.
The Conference was attended by Subject Matter Experts from the Doctrine Development Agencies of HQ IDS and the three Services as also members from reputed Think Tanks.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah Approves Release by Central Government of 2nd Installment of Central Share of State Disaster Relief Fund 
This Step of the Modi Government will Facilitate State Governments to have Enough Funds in their SDRF to Meet Expenses on Granting Ex-Gratia to Next of Kin of Deceased due to Covid-19
Government of India had Issued Order on 25.09.2021, Revising Items and Norms of Assistance Under SDRF, Making a Provision for Grant of Ex-Gratia Payment to Next of Kin of Deceased due to Covid-19
Enabling Provision Made to Implement Guidelines issued by National Disaster Management Authority  in Compliance with Order Passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court
Government of India had issued an order on 25.09.2021, revising the items and norms of assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund , making therein a provision for grant of ex-gratia payment to the next of kin of the deceased due to Covid-19. This enabling provision in SDRF norms has been made so as to implement the guidelines issued by National Disaster Management Authority  on 11.09.2021 in compliance with the order passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court in WPs  dated 30.06.2021.
This step of the Modi Government will facilitate State Governments to have enough funds in their SDRF.The Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah has approved release of the 2nd Instalment of the Central share of the SDRFamounting to Rs 7,274.40 crore, in advance, to 23 States. 5 States have already been released,in advance, the 2nd instalment amounting to Rs 1,599.20 crore.
The State Governments willnow have an amount of Rs 23,186.40crore in their SDRF including State’s share, during the financial year 2021-22, in addition to the amount of opening balance available in their SDRF,to meet the expenses for granting ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased due to COVID-19 and for providing relief on other notified calamities.
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Ministry of Mines
Mineral Production during March 2021 
The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of March, 2021  at 139.0, was 6.1% higher as compared to the level in the month of March, 2020. The cumulative growth for the period April- March, 2020-21 over the corresponding period of previous year has been  7.8 percent.
Production level of important minerals in March, 2021 were: Coal 960 lakh tonnes, Lignite 52 lakh tonnes, Natural gas  2612 million cu. m., Petroleum  26 lakh tonnes, Bauxite 2103 thousand tonnes, Chromite 601 thousand tonnes, Copper conc. 11 thousand tonnes , Gold 148 kg, Iron ore 227 lakh tonnes, Lead conc. 41 thousand tonnes, Manganese ore 331 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc. 164 thousand tonnes, Limestone 391 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite 124 thousand tonnes, Magnesite 12 thousand tonnes and Diamond 34 carat.
The production of important minerals showing positive growth during March, 2021 over March, 2020 include: Manganese Ore , Lead conc. , Phosphorite , Copper conc. , Chromite , Limestone , Magnesite , Zinc conc. , Bauxite , Lignite , Iron ore , Natural Gas  , and Coal . The production of other important minerals showing negative growth is: Gold [ 2.6%], Petroleum  [ 3.1%] and Diamond [ 98.9%]
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves various acquisition proposals by PGP Glass Private Limited
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition by PGP Glass Private Limited  of  the business of manufacture and sale of glass packaging and glass decoration of Piramal Glass Private Limited ;  shareholding of PGPL in its certain subsidiaries engaged in the business of manufacture and / or sale of glass packaging and glass decoration;  certain shareholding of Vivid Glass Trading FZCO ; and  certain business divisions of Ansapack Private Limited  under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002, today.
The Acquirer has been set up recently for the purpose of the Proposed Combination. It is an affiliate of BCP Topco V Pte. Ltd., which is an affiliate of funds advised and / or managed by the affiliates of Blackstone.
PGPL is a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India and is engaged in the business of manufacture and sale of glass packaging and glass decoration, catering to the cosmetics, perfumery, specialty food and beverages, and pharmaceutical industries. PGPL is ultimately owned by Mr Ajay Piramal and family, and belongs to the Piramal group, a global business conglomerate with diverse interests in pharma, financial services, real estate and glass packaging.
PGPL’s subsidiaries, that form a part of the Proposed Combination, are Ansa Deco Glass Private Limited , Kosamba Glass Deco Private Limited , Piramal Glass  Limited , Piramal Glass Europe S.à r.l. , Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC  and Piramal Glass – USA, Inc. . These subsidiaries are broadly engaged in the business of manufacture and/or sale of glass packaging and glass decoration.
Vivid Trading is a company incorporated and registered in Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, Dubai. Vivid Trading is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vivid Glass Distribution FZCO. It is engaged in glass bottle trading. Vivid Trading is an independent company, and is not a subsidiary or an affiliate of PGPL.
Ansapack is a private company incorporated in India, which is engaged in the manufacture and sale of packaging material, including corrugation boxes and plastic films. Ansapack is an independent company and is not a subsidiary or an affiliate of PGPL.
A detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Defence
BrahMos signs contract with Philippines for export of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System
BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited  signed a contract with the Department of National Defence of the Republic of Philippines on January 28, 2022 for supply of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System to Philippines. The BAPL is a joint venture company of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The contract is an important step forward for Government of India’s policy of promoting responsible defence exports.
ABB/DK/Savvy
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Prime Minister's Office
PM invites nominations for National MSME Award 2023
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has asked the contenders to nominate for National MSME Award 2023.
In reply to a tweet by Ministry of MSME, the Prime Minister tweeted :
"Namaste Do nominate inspiring efforts in the MSME sector which are creating wealth and adding value to our growth trajectory."
Special Service and Features
Chennai Air Customs seizes foreign currency worth Rs.3.37 Crores
Chennai Air Customs Officers intercepted a male passenger bound for Singapore on Singapore Airlines flight SQ-529 on 25.05.2023. On his personal examination 52 notes of USD of 100 denominations were found concealed in his undergarment. On further examination of his check-in baggage, 19 nos of pouches wrapped with brown colour tape were found concealed. On opening of the pouches, 2783 notes of USD 100 denomination and 1000 notes of Saudi Arabian Riyal 500 denomination were recovered and seized.
Totally, 3835 notes of Foreign Currency having an exchange value of Rs.3.37 Crores was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, read with Foreign Exchange Management Act. The passenger was arrested. Further investigation is under progress.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways using newer technologies for tracking of trains
Real Time Train Information System  devices installed for 2700 locomotives
RTIS gives mid-section updates with a periodicity of 30 seconds
Currently, GPS feed from around 6500 Locomotives being directly fed into the Control Office Application
It has enabled automatic charting of trains and real time information flow to passengers
Real Time Train Information System , developed in collaboration with ISRO, is being installed on the locomotives for automatic acquisition of train movement timing at the stations, including that of arrival & departure or run-through. They get automatically plotted on the control chart of those trains in the Control Office Application  system.
RTIS gives mid-section updates with a periodicity of 30 seconds. The Train Control can now track the location and speed of RTIS enabled locomotives /train more closely, without any manual intervention.
RTIS devices have been installed for 2700 locomotives in 21 electric loco sheds. As part of Phase-II roll out, 6000 more locomotives across 50 loco sheds shall be covered by utilizing ISRO’s Satcom hub. Currently, GPS feed from around 6500 Locomotives  is being directly fed into the Control Office Application . This has enabled automatic charting of trains and real time information flow to passengers through COA and NTES integration.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Delhi witnesses maximum number of ‘Good’ to ‘Moderate’ Air Quality days during the first 4 months’ period of January –April 2023 as compared to the corresponding period of last 7 years since 2016
The number of ‘Poor to Severe’ Air Quality Days in Delhi was 108 in 2016 and 68 in 2023
2023 has seen the lowest levels of daily average PM10 and PM2.5 concentration with lowest Daily Average AQI in 2023
Persistent field-level efforts and targeted policy initiatives in the short/ medium/ long term expected to result in gradual but marked improvement in Air Quality
As per Air Quality Index  data of the Central Pollution Control Board , Delhi has witnessed maximum number of days with ‘Good to Moderate’ Air Quality during the first four months’ period of 2023 , as compared to the corresponding period of last 07 years since 2016 . A comparative chart for days with ‘Good to Moderate’ AQI witnessed for the first four months’ period during the 08 years  is depicted below:
The number of ‘Good to Moderate’ Air Quality Days for the first four months’ period  were 08 in the year 2016; 29 in 2017; 32 in 2018; 44 in 2019; 68 in 2020; 31 in 2021; 27 in 2022; and 52 in the current year 2023.
During this period, Delhi has also experienced least number of days with ‘Poor to Severe’ Air Quality in 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of last 07 years since 2016 .
The number of ‘Poor to Severe’ Air Quality Days for the first four months’ period  have come down by 37.03% i.e. from 108 in the year 2016 to 68 in the current year 2023.
In terms of daily average PM2.5 concentration levels in Delhi, 2023 has been the year with lowest levels of daily average PM2.5 concentration, as compared to the corresponding period for last 07 years i.e. from 2016 . Moreover, 2023 has also been the year with lowest levels of daily average PM10 concentration in Delhi, as compared to the corresponding period for last 07 years i.e. from 2016 . A comparative chart depicting the PM10 and PM2.5 running average  for the first four months’ period  during the 08 years  is given below:
Delhi has also reported its lowest Average AQI in 2023 as compared to the corresponding period for last 07 years i.e. from 2016 . A comparative chart depicting the Average AQI for the first four months’ period  during the 08 years  is given below:
Persistent field-level efforts and targeted policy initiatives in the short/ medium/ long term are expected to result in gradual but marked improvement in the air quality.